Frequently Asked Questions

Osteopathy is the modern, scientific development of two of the oldest forms of treatment known to man - massage and manipulation. It is a natural therapy which seeks to overcome disability and pain which results for disturbances of the body’s framework and moving parts. It is a system of diagnosis and treatment that lays main emphasis on the structural and mechanical problems of the body.

Backache accounts for half of our workload. We also treat neck pain, some headaches, migraines, sciatica, sports injuries, joint pains, heel pain and many other conditions affecting the body frame.

The techniques used are chosen based on the individual patient and the symptoms they have reported. These include:

• massage – to release and relax muscles 
• stretching stiff joints 
• articulation – where your joints are moved through their natural range of motion 
• high-velocity thrusts – short, sharp movements to the spine, which normally produce a clicking noise similar to cracking your knuckles These techniques aim to reduce pain, improve movement and encourage blood flow. 

Osteopathy isn't usually painful, although it's not unusual to feel sore or stiff in the first few days after treatment, particularly if you're having treatment for a painful or inflamed injury. Local anaesthetic is used when injections are administered, so any pain is minimised.

By law, osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). The GOsC only accepts registration from practitioners who have a qualification in osteopathy that is recognised by the GOsC and who comply with their standards of practice. Osteopaths are required to renew their registration each year. As part of this process, the GOsC checks they have the correct insurance, are meeting professional development requirements, and remain in good health.

No we treat all types of musculoskeletal problems in both the old and the young.

We have a low threshold at the main porch entrance but a portable wheelchair ramp is available to use when required. There is also a wheelchair accessible toilet on the ground floor. The doors to the treatment rooms are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Treatment rooms are on the ground floor.

Yes, to the rear of the clinic there is a free car park on Ashfield Avenue. Alternative parking is available at a pay and display car park, just a 4 minute walk away.

If you have had scans or x-rays, it may be helpful if you can bring along a copy of the results of these. If you are also taking any medication, please bring along a list of what you are taking.

Yes, individuals can enter the consultation with you if you give them permission to. We can provide a chaperone if you request this at the time of booking your appointment. The chaperone will respect patient dignity and confidentiality. They will stay for the whole examination and observe what the doctor is doing.

Yes. Once a medical history is taken and initial examination carried out, a treatment plan can be started there and then.

You may be asked to remove some of your clothing so that the joint concerned can be examined, but you will never be asked to remove your underwear. Every care is taken to respect your modesty.

If Dr Allfree organises a treatment plan that requires the input of another specialist, he will write them a letter outlining the issues (subject to patient consent).

Comfortable clothing is advised, with appropriate underwear.

Yes in most cases. The exception to this is the caudal epidural injection, where the nerves in the legs may be temporarily affected so a chauffeur would be required.

Yes, Dr Allfree is registered with various providers. If he is not known by your current insurance agent, an application can be made to register him as a new practitioner with them. Subject to all their specific criteria being met, insurance could then be claimed. If you are using health insurance, please check with and gain authorisation from your insurer before you attend.

The first and every other subsequent half hour appointment costs £75. The following additional fees apply if an injection is given: Soft tissue injections add £25, Joint injections add £50, Spinal injections add £75, and for Caudal epidurals add £125.

No. Dr Allfree can see you without referral and inform your G.P. of any findings. If you are claiming fees on insurance, however, some policies do require a referral; check your individual policy.

Yes. The Care Quality Commission last inspected the clinic in June 2019 and it was rated ‘Good’ in all of the following categories: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well- Led. The report can be read in full on the CQC website (www.cqc.org.uk)

Chiropractic and Osteopathy are very similar disciplines. In the UK both are statutorily regulated with their own Acts of Parliament and their own General Councils. There is therefore a huge overlap of both these disciplines with a large portion of their workload being very similar.

Diagnosis

Chiropractors tend to use more diagnostic procedures, such as x-rays and MRI scans, blood and urine tests. Case history taking and orthopaedic examination are very similar for both professions and both use movement palpation (feeling the spine as it moves) to assist in diagnosing where there are abnormalities of movement.

Treatment

Around 50% of patients consulting an Osteopath receive manipulation whereas about 90% of patients receive a similar treatment called an “adjustment” if they consult a Chiropractor. When a patient is manipulated or adjusted, the joint is moved just beyond its normal range of movement in an attempt to restore normal function. This obviously has to be done without spraining the joint and this is one of the many skills that Chiropractors and Osteopaths spend several years learning when training. Mobilisation, which consists of stretching the joint rhythmically within its normal range of movement, is used more by Osteopaths than Chiropractors. Both disciplines have similar methods of treating muscular, postural, cranial and paediatric problems, though the terminology used by each profession is different.

To conclude the differences between the two can often come down to the individual practitioner. No one profession is better than the other.